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How transferable is Civil Engineering or Structural Engineering to Mechanical Engineering?

Hi, I plan on interning at a civil engineering/structural engineering firm, but I know I want to study Mechanical Engineering. There aren't any mechanical engineering firms nearby, only civil and structural. Is it worth it to conduct an internship at a civil/structural engineering firm? Will the skills learned be transferable?

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Ron’s Answer

Hi Charly-

As some of the others have pointed out, there are some interconnections and overlap withing various engineering fields. When I was in college studying to be a ME, I took classes in Fluid Dynamics and Theoretical and Applied Mechanics. These classes were also taken by Civil and Structural Engineers learning how to design HVAC systems or how to design truss systems for bridges. A lot of what you'll learn in school in terms of the "engineering process or method" will certainly transfer to whichever field you end up choosing. I

As you are finding out, engineering can take you in many directions. Even the field of mechanical engineering or civil engineering branch out into diverse industries. I recommend that you take advantage of the best opportunities that expand your knowledge and experience. Who knows - you might find that you really enjoy Civil or Structural engineering. Or this internship could help reinforce your passion for mechanical engineering. Either way, it will only benefit you in the end!
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Paul’s Answer

Absolutely, Charley!
Interning at a civil/structural engineering firm can be a fantastic opportunity, even if your heart is set on Mechanical Engineering. The world of engineering is interconnected, with skills like problem-solving, project management, and technical analysis being useful across all fields. By immersing yourself in any engineering environment, you'll gain invaluable insights into the profession, laying a solid groundwork for your future studies and career.

Believe in yourself! There's a great deal of overlap between structural and mechanical engineering in terms of coursework. You're going to do brilliantly!
Thank you comment icon Thank you Paul for your response! This is what I thought too but I just wanted to make sure. Thanks! Charly
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Sami’s Answer

Absolutely - take the internship! As so many have said, these are intertwined and the skillsets are super transferrable. Use this experience to confirm that you indeed want to be an engineer, to learn about the basics of design / CAD and problem solving, and to see how things run in a professional environment. Learn, grow and enjoy it!
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Kris’s Answer

You're curious about the connection between mechanical engineering and civil engineering, right? Well, they're incredibly intertwined. As a civil engineer myself, I've had the pleasure of working with a diverse group of interns over the years. Some were mechanical engineers, and we even had an electrical engineer on board once.

Remember, at the heart of it all, engineers are problem solvers. Different engineering fields often collaborate on major projects, combining their unique perspectives and skills. So, any engineering internship is a valuable addition to your resume.

Keep expanding your horizons and nurturing your interests. Stay inquisitive, never stop asking questions. The relationships you form along the way are just as important as the knowledge you gain. Enjoy the journey!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for sharing, I appreciate your advice. I’ll make sure to enjoy journey also! Charly
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Suppachai’s Answer

Civil engineering is all about creating amazing things like buildings, bridges, and roads. But did you know it also involves a bit of mechanical work? That's right! Things like looking after the moving parts of structures like water gates in dams, cranes, trucks, and other tools used in these projects. And guess who takes care of these? Mechanical engineers, they're the heroes behind this.

Now, both civil and mechanical engineering need a good grasp of math, particularly calculus and algebra. They also involve learning about physics, which is all about understanding how things move and interact. In civil engineering, you might even explore subjects like fluid mechanics, which is all about how liquids flow, usually in open spaces like rivers or canals. On the other hand, mechanical engineering might take you into studying how liquids flow in closed systems like pipes or conduits. Isn't that interesting?
Thank you comment icon I did not know this. Thank you Suppachai for this helpful information! Charly
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Art’s Answer

I agree with the three answers above, the internship will be more important with a civil engineering firm than no internship that internship will either solidify your Mechanical engineering interest or broaden your engineering experience, its a win win situation. I didn't see where you are in your career, are you in high school or are you in college and have already taken some engineering courses? I would bet that you are a high school student in which case I would let you know that you may be able to have 1 to 1.5 years of college before you really need to make that decision.
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